Author: Libra Boyd

Libra Nicole Boyd, PhD is a musician, award-winning author, gospel music aficionado, and the founder and editor of Gospel Music Fever™. Her commitment to journalistic integrity includes bringing you reliable gospel music content that uplifts and advances the art form. Libra is presently working on several scholarly projects about gospel music in the media as well as gospel music in social movements.

Vickie Winans: Blinging, Singing, Laughing, and Giving Today’s Music Talent a Chance

Vickie WinansBy Libra Boyd
Gospel Music Fever

Vickie Winans’ voice, smile, and personality have one thing in common: they are all larger than life.  All three have endeared her to fans across the country, allowing her to maintain the momentum of a music career that spans three decades.

Despite not having released an album in several years, the award-winning singer of such hits as “We Shall Behold Him,” “Shake Yourself Loose,” and “Long As I Got King Jesus” remains in demand, nearly as much for her side-splitting humor as for her uplifting, high-energy concerts.  Her travel and performance schedule are rigorous.  In fact, when we talked by phone yesterday afternoon, the 62 year-old songstress was waiting to be picked up from the airport after a trio of weekend concerts in Massachusetts and Pennsylvania.  This Saturday, she is headed to North Carolina to headline a concert dubbed, “Bling, Sing, Laugh Til You Scream.”  As far as the bling is concerned, Winans, who manages herself, confessed to me that between now and this weekend, she will have to carve out time to make custom pieces of jewelry to showcase and sell at her concert.  While she and I laughed and talked–I did most of the laughing and she did most of the talking–she spoke about the legacy of her friend Dr. Bobby Jones, her knack for making people laugh, her jewelry line, and the big opportunity she’s giving aspiring singers in all 50 states. 

Libra:  Vickie, just last month, the finale of BET’s Bobby Jones Gospel aired, and you had the distinction of being one of the show’s final performers, helping to send off the longest running original show in cable TV history with “We Shall Behold Him.”  What was that like for you personally, helping to close that chapter in TV history?

Vickie: You know what?  That’s the very first song I sang when I was first on [his] show.  Being able to close [the finale] out with the song that opened my career–I mean when that song came out in 1985, it was my very first hit, and I ain’t looked back.  [Bobby] was a blessing to me when I first came out, so it was a blessing to be able to celebrate his next chapter.  He was so successful, [and] you know he just doesn’t stop.  I don’t know what he’s running on!  I’ve never seen anyone like him.  They say that about me, but Honey I’m like, ‘Okay. All right…I need to be tryin’ to retire in a minute!’ (Laughing)  But it was a happy and sad moment; I cried in the back. 

Libra:  I have to digress and ask, have you always been the comedian among your family and friends?

Vickie: Girl, you know it.  Clown.  Class clown.  How [are you] the class clown and the valedictorian?  That’s what I wanna know!  I was the class clown and valedictorian of the same class!  There were 12 kids in my family, and my daddy had a really outgoing personality, so I think I just got hit.  He had a big smile, and everybody tells me I have a big smile.  All my sisters and brothers got big smiles, all my nieces and nephews, grandkids…everybody!  We’re hit with all these teeth–and it’s expensive when you get old because they go to falling every which way and you gotta keep ‘em in.  I told my daddy, ‘Man, your smile is so big, your gums just run out!’

Libra:  (Laughing) See, this is the unique aspect of your concerts.  You not only sing, but you make us laugh!  Now you even have a jewelry line that you showcase.  Tell us about your jewelry. 

Vickie: Yeah...you try to make it a ‘line,’ but when you’re going as fast as me Chile, you just make jewelry and sell it! I make it myself. Handmade. By myself. I can’t keep up [with the demand].

Libra:  Is every piece a custom piece?

Vickie: Oh yeah!  I make them all right out of my head–necklaces, earrings, and bracelets.  You know I’m a clean freak; I keep my house clean.  But baby you turn that corner and go in that office–Lord Jesus!  I’ve got over a million beads and they’re everywhere…and I sit [at home and make my jewelry] at night when I get done with all my contract stuff….I just got back from China, trying to get [my line] launched.  I owned a jewelry store, and it got to be so busy that I couldn’t handle it, so I closed it.  But I still love jewelry, so I make jewelry and sell it.  I do it to better myself, to better my church, to better my life, to better my children and their children, and to better my homeless foundation.…You know, people named me The Hardest Working Woman [in Gospel].  I didn’t name me that.  I just looked up and somebody said, ‘Here comes the hardest working woman–‘  I said, ‘The what?  How come y’all don’t give me no real nice names like they gave Dorinda–The Rose of Gospel?  And Shirley Caesar–The First Lady of Gospel.’  But it’s a compliment! 

Libra:  It certainly is.  Being called The Hardest Working Woman in Gospel is a compliment and a testament to your work ethic.  It’s amazing and it’s inspiring to other people who are trying to wear many hats successfully.  And since you are extremely busy, what else is going on that you want to make sure our readers know about? 

Vickie: Well, I am getting ready to put out something so big for people who don’t get the opportunities that I get.  I’m going to all 50 states, holding auditions, selecting the top ten singers [in each state], and doing a compilation CD featuring those singers.  I’m calling it ‘She Gave Us A Chance.’  So it will be Vickie Winans Presents: Michigan Sings Gospel, Vickie Winans Presents: New York Sings Gospel, Vickie Winans Presents: Ohio Sings Gospel, and so on.

Libra:  So to be clear, there will be a total of 50 CDs – a CD representing each state – and on each of those CDs will be ten artists from that state.

Vickie: Yes, the top ten artists who win the auditions in each state.  And the ones who don’t win, that doesn’t mean the end for them.  They will be in the videos, they will be background singers–they will be used in whatever we do with that particular album.  And we’re going to use producers who are not already [exposed].  And you know I don’t put out no junk tracks!  You like that idea?

Libra:  I love that idea!  Is this for 2017?

Vickie: Naw Girl!  I anticipate starting this the first of September.  What would I be waiting on?  Old as I am, I don’t even buy green bananas; I might not have time to see ’em get ripe.  I’m starting in September!

Libra:  (Laughing)  You know, this is such a fitting way to finish our conversation, because we began by talking about Dr. Jones and his platform.  Even though you’re using a different medium, you are doing the same thing: giving people opportunities and a platform for their talents.

Vickie: I try.  I believe that when you are successful, you should reach back and pull as many people as you can over, and I can’t wait!

47th Annual GMA Dove Award nominees announced

Photo Credit | GMA Website

Tasha Cobbs, Jonathan McReynolds, Kirk Franklin, and Anthony Brown & group therAPy
are among those whose nominations were announced today (August 10) for
the 47th Annual GMA Dove Awards.  The complete list is available here.

 
This year’s awards will take place October 11, at Lipscomb University’s Allen Arena in Nashville and will air October 16, exclusively on TBN. 

Congratulations to all nominees!

RCA Inspiration announces shift To Nashville, TN under Provident Music Group

(Nashville, TN)  RCA Inspiration
will operate under the umbrella of the Provident Music Group, a
division of Sony Music Entertainment, in a shift of operations for the New York-based award-winning inspirational music label.  Under this shift, RCA Inspiration will now conduct operations based out of Nashville, TN.

Terry Hemmings,
President and CEO of Provident Music Group, says: “Provident Music
Group is delighted to welcome RCA Inspiration, and their incredible
lineup of artists whose ever-evolving and diverse sounds have continued
to make such an impact on Gospel and inspirational music. They mark a
valuable addition to Provident Music Group’s ongoing growth and shared
vision in delivering wide-ranging and uplifting entertainment across the
world.”







RCA Inspiration includes a comprehensive
breadth of artists steering the sounds of Gospel, praise and worship,
contemporary inspiration, hip hop, and more today, which also includes
artists on Kirk Franklin’s
Fo Yo Soul Recordings label.  RCA Inspiration’s top-notch roster
encompass award-winning superstars, such as prolific influencers Israel Houghton, Fred Hammond, Marvin Sapp, and Donnie McClurkin.  It also continues developing hit-making newer artists, such as Travis Greene,
Le’Andria Johnson, and Dee-1.  In relocating under Provident Music
Group, RCA Inspiration joins the division’s outstanding scope of fueling
faith-based entertainment across multiple creative platforms from
Christian music and worship to music publishing and film. Provident
Music Group’s labels and entertainment entities encompass Christian and
worship artists such as Casting Crowns, Steven Curtis Chapman, Brandon Heath, Matt Maher, Third Day, as well as Provident Films (“War Room,” “Woodlawn“), Essential Music Publishing, among other services.         


ABOUT RCA INSPIRATION
RCA
Inspiration (formerly Verity Gospel Music Group), is the Gospel label
operating under Provident Music Group, a division of Sony Music
Entertainment. Voted Billboard’s #1 “Gospel Songs Label” for the past 15
years, RCA Inspiration is the home of mega-gospel artists Donnie McClurkin, Israel Houghton, Marvin Sapp, Le’Andria Johnson, Fred Hammond and many more.

SOURCE RCA Inspiration – August 2, 2016

GMF remembers Tunesha Crispell (1972-2016)

Tunesha Crispell has died.

A pair of services was recently held July 17 and July 18 in Charlotte, NC to commemorate the life and celebrate the homegoing of songstress Tunesha Crispell.  Tunesha went to be with the Lord on July 13, 2016, after completing a courageous battle with cancer.  She was 43.

Reporter Timothy Yap remembered her life and music at hallels.com.

GMF has continued to lift Tunesha’s son Melvin Crispell, III, and other members and friends of the Crispell family in prayer during this time of adjustment. 

Jovonta Patton debuts at #1 on Billboard Gospel Albums chart with no radio airplay

It’s a pretty remarkable accomplishment for Minneapolis singer/songwriter Jovonta Patton.  This week, his third album Finally Living debuted at the top of the Billboard Gospel Albums sales chart–with no radio airplay. 


Equally notable is Jovonta’s album sits on two other Billboard charts: the Billboard Christian & Gospel Albums sales chart at number 12 and the Billboard Independent Albums sales chart at number 21. 


In a press release, CEO Marquis Boone of MBE Enterprises said, “We count it an honor to be able to introduce the next generation of artists to the world.  Jovonta is a great talent.  We are excited that he hired our firm to assist him in introducing hi music to the world.  I think Jovonta has a long, wondrous career ahead of him.”  Boone also manages gospel sensations Casey J and Bri Babineaux.  


Jovonta got his start singing at the tender age of four in the choir at Berean Missionary Baptist Church.  He began writing songs at age six.  He cites Donald Lawrence, one of gospel’s prolific songwriters, as his musical hero and says that the 11 tracks on Finally Living are, like Lawrences’s compositions, grounded in the Scriptures. 

"Trouble in the Street" – The Pilgrim Jubilees

"Trouble in the Street" The Pilgrim Jubilees cover art
“Trouble in the Street”
The Pilgrim Jubilees
From the vinyl LP, Trouble in the Street (1997)
 
By Libra Boyd
 
The Pilgrim Jubilees were thought by some to be ahead of their time when they released their 1997 album, Trouble in the Street. The title track has in fact been around decades longer. Still, the evocative title song raised eyebrows and perked up ears with haunting sounds of gunshots, sirens, and authoritative voices shouting, “Get on the ground, Boy!”
 
Written by the Jubes’ frontman Clay Graham, “Trouble in the Street” is an emotive message song with social commentary that, sadly, is as relevant today as when first released.  When the song first came out, however, it failed to garner radio airplay.  The reason, Clay recalled in Alan Young’s book The Pilgrim Jubilees (University Press of Mississippi), was that some deejays thought lyrics about violence and senseless deaths were too pessimistic for the listeners.  Still, Clay remained hopeful that the time would come for his outcry to be heard.  After all that has happened in the nation in recent weeks and months, this may be that time. “We need Jesus!” proclaim the Jubes.

Fill This House – Shirley Caesar

Shirley Caesar
Fill This House (2016)
eOne Music 
www.shirleycaesar.com
 
By Libra Boyd
Gospel Music Fever
 
Fill This House is Pastor Shirley Caesar’s most refreshing body of musical work in recent years.  Many who bought the project, helping it debut at number one on the Billboard Top Gospel Album chart, will probably agree.
 
The album kicks off with the immediately infectious “It’s Alright, It’s OK,” featuring soulful R&B singer and fellow North Carolinian, Anthony Hamilton.  Following the opening track, she takes us straight to church with the testimony-charged “He Won’t Fail You,” praise-break inducing “Survive This” with Bishop Hezekiah Walker, and worshipful title song “Fill This House.”
 
Although head-bobbing comes standard with “Need Him Now,” the traditional-contemporary groove is the backdrop for sobering social commentary:

Look at all of the trouble today–war and killing flooding the land
You know it’s time to pray
No prayer in the schoolhouse, and wrong is right in the White House
We need Him right away…

During the last ten seconds, crank up the volume and check out some of Pastor Caesar’s wordless improvisational sweetness.
 
Having recorded more “mama” songs than perhaps any other gospel recording artist, it is entirely appropriate that Fill This House also features a matriarchal ode of sorts—this one to the historic Mother Emanuel AME Church, site of the devastating Charleston church massacre.  “Mother Emanuel,” penned by Chip Davis and Dony and Reba Rambo-McGuire, is the poignant, moving standout of the project, elevated in emotion when President Obama begins to read the names of the victims. 
 
“Prayer Works,” written by V. Mike McKay, brings Fill This House to a high energy, inspirational end and solidifies the project’s place among the great releases of 2016. 

The saying goes, “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.”  There is certainly nothing broken or in need of a fix when it comes to the music of Pastor Caesar and the writing and production of her longtime music director, Michael Mathis.  Still, their collaborations with this project’s host of creative writers, producers, musicians, and background singers has reinvigorated the Caesar sound and brought out the best in one of the best to ever sing or preach a gospel message. 

I have never made such a bold prediction and do not know what the rest of the year holds for highly anticipated music releases, but I believe Fill This House may net the reigning queen of gospel Grammy number twelve. 

Favorites
“It’s Alright, It’s OK” – “Need Him Now”

Fever Meter
SWELTERIN’ (5 of 5 Stars)
 

Kingdom Encounter Family Conference to feature Eddie James, Maranda Willis

The Covenant Triangle’s Kingdom Encounter Family Conference will present an amazing “REACH” experience at a Triple E.E.E. Block Party at NC Central University’s Library Bowl on Thursday, July 28, at 6 PM, featuring the amazing gift of Eddie James & Dream Life Ministries. The New Covenant Christian Church’s Triple E.E.E. theme is indicative of the season of “Excellence in Evangelism without Excuse,” so come expecting an outpouring of God’s glory and vision manifestation!

Dream Life Ministries is a team of 40 young people who were saved off the streets of Atlanta, GA by the power of God through the evangelism/outreach ministry of Eddie James. They lead worship with Eddie and give their testimonies intermittently throughout the experience. Prophetess Kathy Lindsay of New Covenant Christian Church of the Triangle said in a message to GMF, “We are believing our God for 100+ souls to be saved, prodigal sons/daughters to ‘come to themselves,’ fathers and sons to reconcile, and this Joshua generation to be drawn back to our heavenly Father through the power of God!” 

On Saturday, July 30, at New Covenant (3308 Durham Chapel-Hill Blvd. in Durham), the Kingdom Encounter Family Conference continues with a benefit concert featuring Maranda C. Willis (“Nobody Like You Lord”), along with guest artist Vernon Gordon and others.  Melissa Wade and Dr. Angelia Riggsbee, Founder/CEO of Healing After Domestic Violence (H.A.D.), are the special guest co-hosts.  All proceeds will support H.A.D. families for back-to-school supplies.  If you can’t make the concert, you are asked to share the love of God through giving at www.newcovenantchristian.org and note your donation is for either H.A.D. or to support evangelism efforts to reach the lost for Christ through Triple E.E.E. event. 

John Thorpe and Truth, Chosen Live DVD Recording Recap

John Thorpe and Truth
John Thorpe and Truth | Photo Credit: Libra Boyd

By Libra Boyd
Gospel Music Fever

A modest crowd of roughly 250 traditional gospel enthusiasts gathered at Roxboro’s Kirby Theater Saturday night (July 16) for the live DVD recordings of John Thorpe and Truth of Rougemont, NC, and Chosen of Wilkesboro, NC.  Radio announcer David Ramsey and Bishop D.T. “Dynamite” Johnson served as emcees for the evening.

The one-hour late start caused restlessness among some in the audience, but they appeared to be instantly refreshed by the live music performances of area artists Chozen Phaze II and saxophonist James Brown, who opened the concert.

Once John Thorpe and Truth took to the stage—about 55 minutes after the late start—they wasted no time moving through the first of two five-song sets, beginning with “I Don’t Mind,” followed by the bluesy “Child of God.”  Both numbers are from an album recorded with his siblings, John Thorpe and Family Live with Dr. Bobby Jones, and are fan favorites. Still, it was the perennial hymn “Old Rugged Cross” that shifted the somewhat constrained atmosphere into extended worship.  Thorpe brought out his son Jonathan (of James Hall & Worship and Praise) to share the lead.  Jonathan’s velvet tenor was a stark contrast to his dad’s gritty baritone, but the duet was nonetheless palatable.  The worship that ensued cued a reprise before the group finished out its opening set with downhome hand-clapper, “Do What the Lord Say Do.”

Chosen
Chosen | Photo Credit: Libra Boyd

While John Thorpe and Truth recessed for a wardrobe change, Chosen began its 10-song set, which included a mix of original tunes and covers of “What He’s Done for Me” (Lisa Knowles and The Brown Singers), “Thank You” (Tim Rogers and The Fellas), “Meet Me at the Gate” (B.T. Green and the Christian Harmonettes), and “Old Landmark” (Tammy Edwards and the Edwards Sisters).  An unhurried song of assurance, “Jesus is Standing There,” especially resonated with the intimate crowd:

You feel all alone sometimes, and you don’t know what to do, but still
Jesus is standing there
I’ve got friends, they’ll turn and walk away from you, but still when they walk away
Jesus is standing there
Call Him in the morning
Call Him late at night
Oh Jesus is standing there

The song’s lead singer Marshall Parks shared with the audience afterwards, “A whole lot of folks sing songs that sound good; but I want to sing a song that says something.”  When the lead mic was passed to Quinda Parks, she emphasized that Chosen came to have church.  I was convinced.  Their sermonettes, testimonies, praise break, and the atmosphere of an old-fashion revival as they neared the end of their set were proof positive.

As the night drew to a close, John Thorpe and Truth returned to complete the final set, opening with the lively title track from their current CD, “Stay with Jesus” and ending with “Thank You,” reminiscent of soul singer Eddie Floyd’s “Knock on Wood.”

Both group’s recordings will be released as individual “live” CD and DVD projects in association with Light of Day Productions, LLC.  To pre-order, visit the artists’ websites at www.johnthorpeandtruth.com and www.chosen-ministries.com.

Minister of Music's experiences inspire Christian fiction novel 'That Church Life'

For ten years, Teresa B. Howell was the minister of music for the Durham’s Mt. Olive Holy Church youth choir.  When she eventually turned her attention to her love of creative writing, it’s understandable that the church music department was a common thread for several characters in her recently released fiction novel, That Church Life (Walking in Victory International Publishing).  Specifically, explained Howell to GMF, “The lead character [in the book] is a great singer and was in love with the organist.”  The organist is the novel’s antagonist.  Another main character is the choir director.  The plot itself is complex and is influenced by a number of Howell’s personal observations and experiences over the years while involved in various church organizations.   Here’s the synopsis:


The Church Gal Crew is leading the way to salvation at Mt. Zion Holiness Church.  Feisty Natalia Freemon is the “head” of the crew.  Rebellious and outspoken, she has no problems challenging the church status quo.  Years later however, her loss of faith will tragically impact her life.

Michelle Hanks, a country girl from a hardworking farm family is the peacemaker and “soul” of the crew.  Although struggling with self-confidence she is wise beyond her years and can’t wait to escape the farm life and find success; even if it costs her soul.

Missy Jones, the “heart” of the crew, has the face of an angel and a voice sent from heaven. A pastor’s daughter raised in the church, Missy loves the ministry and her place in it.  But the flesh is tempting, especially when it comes in the form of sexy church musician and Mt. Zion playboy Tommy.

In spite of her dedication to the word, Missy falls hard for Tommy, and then falls out of favor with the church.  Trapped in a cycle of relationship abuse, Missy’s world is falling apart until Beanie, a reformed stick-up man turned Evangelist, shows her real love. But when tragedy strikes, Missy is torn between the truth, that could jeopardize everything she loves, or a lie that could be her damnation.

These three best friends drift away from each other and the church but come back together through spiritual downfall, relationship crises, drug addiction, and even murder.  Can the crew survive the drama involved in That Church Life?

Though a work of fiction, Howell does not shy away from writing about troubling realities that plague more than a few church folks.    For more information about the author and That Church Life,visit teresabhowell.com.